The Art Exhibit by Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Mexican Modernism from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection is stunning.
Each art piece captures the strength and artistic ability of Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera. While there we learned about Jacques and Natasha Gelman who were wealthy Eastern Europeans refugees. They fell in love with Mexican culture and what it had to offer. In 1943 a beautiful painting of Natasha was created by Diego which is on display at the exhibit. Natasha would later hire Frida to paint portraits of her.
When Frida Kahlo was a young girl she was diagnosed with polio and continued to have health issues throughout her life, in that her love for art was developed. While exploring the art world she fell in love with Diego Rivera, they divorced and remarried. In 1943 she painted a portrait of herself entitled “Diego on my Mind”. During this time, she also established one of the best collections of art in the world.
Diego Rivera was an International star. One of Rivera’s paintings that intrigued me the most was the Calla Lily Vendor, which is featured at the museum. This painting was a true reflection of the Mexican culture and the day to day labor. I loved this piece because it shows the hard work and beauty of the Mexican culture.
What’s interesting about the dynamic duo is that Diego Rivera was always popular, but Frida didn’t rise to fame until later. We now see her being referenced in mainstream media. People dress up as her for Halloween, create makeup looks inspired by her & curate photoshoots that reflect her personal style. It’s safe to say that her style is a mood, Frida Kahlo is a mood. During the exhibit I found her to be confident, striking and unapologetic. She was once being interviewed by someone and they asked her a question pertaining to Diego Rivera and her response was “Of course he does well for a little boy, but it is I who is the big artist”. How can you not love her?
Although never birthing children of her own, she birthed an artistic movement that’s unmatched. She nurtured her artistic abilities through being an art teacher & a good friend to those around her offering a fun outlook on life which you will see in the exhibit. She created a life that was centered around herself and her art. The art pieces that are on display give you deeper sense of who Frida Kahlo is. She was bold, confident and vivacious. She is a mother.
This Exhibit offers so much to the viewers: It’s fun, energetic, vibrant and full of life. We are so fortunate to have this exhibit on display. It will be up from October 26, 2019 – January 19, 2020. Be sure to visit and I promise you will leave with Frida Kahlo on your mind, she would love that anyway! #ncmaFrida